Specialized food ingredients and plastics manufacturer D&L Industries Inc. is moving to commercialize a proprietary technology that integrates indigenous plant fibers into plastic production, a step aimed at capturing a slice of the growing global market for sustainable materials.

The company’s subsidiary, D&L Polymer & Colours Inc. (DLPC), has launched a 100 percent abaca pellet designed as a plug-and-play raw material for the plastics industry.

The development follows a pilot phase last year where the company proved it could incorporate natural fibers into polymers but was required to manage the entire manufacturing process in-house.

The transition to a pelletized format allows third-party plastic compounders and manufacturers across Asia and the Philippines to blend the material directly into their existing production lines without upgrading machinery.

Abaca, a leaf fiber often referred to as Manila hemp, is widely regarded as the strongest natural fiber in the world. By converting the raw fiber into a standardized pellet, D&L is attempting to overcome the traditional logistical hurdles of using organic materials in industrial manufacturing.

Company officials noted during a media presentation that the pellets act as a high-strength additive that fits seamlessly into conventional manufacturing workflows.

Lester Lao, DLPC president and chief executive officer, said pelletization represents the tipping point for making natural fibers viable at an industrial scale.

He noted that the proprietary technology used for the abaca pellets is also compatible with other locally-sourced fibers, including pineapple, bakong, and vetiver. This flexibility could position the Philippines as a significant supplier of high-value, bio-based materials for global supply chains.

The natural fiber composites produced from these pellets offer several mechanical advantages over traditional plastics.

The materials are resilient yet lightweight—often buoyant enough to float in water—which makes them particularly attractive for the automotive and construction sectors where weight reduction is a key driver of fuel efficiency and performance.

Current formulations allow for a dosing of up to 40 percent natural fiber, replacing a significant portion of virgin, fossil-based polymers.

D&L is currently collaborating with manufacturers in the consumer goods, packaging, and automotive industries to develop specific applications.

While the initial focus remains on industrial durability, the company noted that depending on the final formulation, products can be designed for conventional recycling or made compostable to support circular economy goals.